'Someone has to take care of it, why not me?'

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Emily Cardin sits on a rock in Dug Pond as her dog Gracie hunts the waters for fish. Mary Schwalm
Ellen Townson of Andover stands at an access point to Dug Pond in Andover. Townson visits the Dug Pond conservation area every day to pick up trash and maintain the town-owned property. Mary Schwalm

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July 29, 2010

Glenwood Road woman one of many conservation overseers

By Bethany Bray Staff Writer

It's small enough you could swim across it, and the tiny patch of sand for water access could hardly be called a beach. But for many residents, Dug Pond in Southern Andover is a special place.

Most notably for Ellen Townson, who volunteers as the property's overseer and visits at least once a day to pick up trash and keep an eye on the town-owned conservation parcel.

Under Townson's care, Dug Pond has become litter-free and more welcoming to families, boaters and fishermen, Conservation Director Bob Douglas said.

Townson is one of a group of dedicated residents who oversee Andover's 1,970 acres of conservation land. Roughly half of Andover's 180 conservation areas have one or more overseers, who are "the eyes and ears" of the conservation commission, said Commissioner Gail Ralston, who acts as overseer coordinator.

"Dug Pond is a really good example of what an overseer can do. The beach area had become overgrown with fast-growing, invasive plants and had become a drinking and partying spot. It had become a little trashy," Douglas said. "Under Ellen's supervision, it has become a family place to enjoy the sun and water. Really it's become a wonderful spot for the community."

Overseers visit their assigned properties regularly, picking up trash and checking for property damage, overgrowth or downed trees that block hiking trails.

"Just being a presence on the property, I think, is the best way to guard against misuse," Ralston said.

Overseers are given a town-issued photo badge to wear while they work, and the entire group gets together for an annual meeting to compare notes. The conservation commission prefers overseers to be adults, said Ralston. Scout, youth and church groups looking to volunteer are often partnered with an overseer for projects.

Conservation property in Andover ranges from less than one acre to 70 acres, Ralston said, and the commission is always looking for more overseers.

"We love to involve as many people as possible in keeping our land up and keeping our trails open," Douglas said.

For Townson, becoming an overseer was natural, she says, as she and her husband, Winslow, love the outdoors and often canoe and kayak on Dug Pond. The couple bought their Glenwood Road home, across the street from the pond and conservation area, three years ago.

"It started because we used (the property) a lot, and it was the responsible thing to do, to pick up trash. I said, 'why not be an overseer?'," said Townson, who has lived her entire life in Andover. "Someone has to take care of it, why not me?"

Within the last three years, Townson and other commission volunteers have cut back overgrowth and put up signage on Glenwood Road where people can park and follow a short trail to the pond. In 2008, Andover teen Barrett Flynn installed several wooden benches along the pond's edge as an Eagle Scout project.

Growing up in Andover, Glenn Wilson frequented an aunt and uncle's house on Dug Pond. Now, as assistant director of Andover Youth Services, he brings groups of teens there to swim and canoe.

"That's where I grew up swimming. I think it's a hidden jewel of Andover, so I want to share it with the (AYS) kids. It's off the beaten path a little bit. It's an old-school swimming hole," Wilson said.

The pond's access point has clear water, a sandy bottom and a nice rock to wade out to and sit on, he said.

Wilson said he saw the property decline in recent years and then improve under Townson's care.

"Over the years it had become overgrown down to a sliver of beach. In the year since the benches went in, it's become a lot more friendly and good for small groups of AYS kids," Wilson said. "She (Ellen Townson) has done a fantastic job. We certainly appreciate it."

Townson says she makes a point of saying hello and welcome to families, fishermen or boaters she encounters on her daily visits.

"Just seeing someone, and saying hi, being a presence makes a difference ... It's nice to see people come and enjoy it," she said. "If we keep it clean, people won't see trash and they won't leave trash."

Spring-fed Dug Pond is near Fosters Pond in Southern Andover. With no lifeguard, pond-goers are cautioned to swim at their own risk. As with all town property, dogs must be kept on a leash.

One year, Wilson challenged himself to swim across Dug Pond for an entire year. He almost met the challenge, he said, except for January and February, when the pond was frozen over.

Want to get involved?

To get more information or to volunteer as a conservation overseer, e-mail conservation@andoverma.gov or call 978-623-8311.

More information on conservation land, including a link to downloadable maps, can be found at andoverma.gov/conservation